Reforms music to the ears of Queensland's nightlife economy | PS News
30 July 2026Start the conversationNew reforms provide incentives for major music acts that include local artists. Photo: Brisbane City Council. The Queensland Government is hoping to boost the state’s. . .
30 July 2026Start the conversationNew reforms provide incentives for major music acts that include local artists. Photo: Brisbane City Council. The Queensland Government is hoping to boost the state’s night-time economy with new incentives aimed at giving more gigs to local artists at headline events to strengthen the live music industry. Two programs are being launched, Homegrown and Queensland on Tour, to make it easier for local venues to host live music across the state. Homegrown provides major touring artists with incentives if they include Queensland artists as supporting acts, giving locals a chance to perform in front of larger audiences and make a name for themselves. Incentives under this program include discounts on state-owned venues. Queensland on Tour is being expanded to put more focus on regional venues and connect them with national music promoters, meaning more bands will tour more of the state, rather than just the major cities. “We’re creating more opportunities for artists by discounts for big acts who have a local opener through Homegrown, expanding Queensland on Tour and continuing to work with industry to help reduce the red tape and cut fees for the grassroots venues that are the lifeblood of our live music scene,” Minister for Youth Sam O’Connor said. “A thriving live music industry supports local businesses, creates jobs, attracts visitors and helps build vibrant experiences across Queensland. ”By creating stronger pathways to success for Queensland’s artists, the government hopes to reinvigorate the music scene, return economic benefits to the state and boost grassroots venues. Reforms are also in the works for licensing and fees, which the government hopes to simplify to make the system more financially viable for grassroots venues to host live music. “During my listening tour across Queensland, it became clear that our grassroots live music venues need urgent support if they are to survive and continue providing opportunities for artists and audiences alike,” Night-Life Economy Commissioner and Powderfinger bassist John “JC” Collins said. “We also need to ensure emerging Queensland artists have stages on which to develop their craft, particularly if we want Queensland talent to be front and centre as we head towards Brisbane 2032. ”These fall under the Nightlife Economy Action Plan, to be released soon. Be among the first to get all the Public Sector and Defence news and views that matter. Subscribe now and receive the latest news, delivered free to your inbox. Region Media acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land on which we work and report. We pay our respects to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders past, present and emerging and commit our company to ongoing acts of reconciliation.